About Life in Japan

Have you ever seen colorful paper hanging from bamboo in July in Japan? That is a scene from the traditional Japanese festival called "Tanabata". But why do people write their wishes on paper and hang them on bamboo? Today, I will explain the charm and meaning of Tanabata in an easy-to-understand way. [What is Tanabata?] Tanabata is celebrated on July 7th.

In Japan, there is a somewhat unique and interesting expression. They are the words "ame-onna" (rain woman) and "ame-otoko" (rain man). [What is an rain woman or rain man?] "Rain woman" and "rain man" are people who for some reason get rained on on the day of an important event or trip. For example, in the following scene: A day that you were looking forward to on a school trip,

What does "Jimejime" mean? In Japan, the rainy season known as "tsuyu" begins around June. It rains almost every day, and the air feels heavy. At times like these, the word Japanese people often use is "Jimejime." This "Jimejime" is one of the expressions known as "onomatopoeia" in Japanese. What is onomatopoeia?

Many foreign tourists who visit Japan look forward to "food"! Japan has many dishes that are not only delicious, but also beautiful to look at and can be enjoyed as an experience. First, let's introduce some popular Japanese foods regardless of the season! [Sushi] A representative Japanese gourmet dish that everyone wants to try at least once. Conveyor belt sushi is especially popular, and many people enjoy eating their favorite dishes.

This time, we will introduce some spectacular spots to visit before the rainy season for those of you coming to Japan from overseas. The rainy season is the season from late May to early July when a lot of rain falls all over Japan. If the rain continues for several days, it can be difficult to go sightseeing. That's why now, with its many sunny days, is your chance!

Today, we will introduce fashion that is perfect for early summer in Japan, as well as convenient items that will be useful in your daily life. Early summer in Japan refers to the season from mid-May to late June. This period is characterized by large changes in temperature and weather, with hot days, cool mornings and evenings, and lots of rain during the rainy season. So, what kind of fashion do you wear in Japan?

"Undokai" is a school sports event held at elementary and junior high schools in Japan. Students are divided into classes and grades and participate in events such as relay races, ball throwing, and dancing, learning the importance of cooperation and effort. Parents and local residents often join in, and it is a festival-like event that gets the whole school excited.

May is the season of fresh, greenery. In Japan, there are many "seasonal foods" that are in season from spring to early summer. "Season" refers to the time when a food is at its most delicious and can be harvested in the greatest quantity. In Japan, there is a culture that places special importance on "flavors that can only be eaten in a certain season." Today, we will introduce some of Japan's "seasonal flavors of May."

In Japan, May 5th is "Children's Day," a holiday to celebrate the growth and health of children. In the past, "Children's Day" was called "Tango no Sekku" and was a celebration for boys. But now it has become a day for all children. On this day, families decorate and eat special foods to pray for the happiness and healthy growth of their children.

Do you know how Japanese tea is made? In fact, spring is the season when tea making begins. In particular, from late April to early May, the freshest tea of the year, known as "shincha," is picked. Today, we will introduce you to one of Japan's traditional spring events, the "tea picking experience." [What is tea picking?] "Tea